[2024 Zanda Attraction] Travel Guide for Zhada Tulin (Updated Dec)
Geological Sites
Address:
Within Zada County, Ali District
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 hours
Explore Tibet with Kids: Lhasa–Mount Kailash Family Tour Guide
Traveling to Tibet with kids? The 8-day Lhasa–Mount Kailash tour is a great choice! Explore sacred mountains and lakes, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the plateau, and create unforgettable memories with your family!
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🗓 Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa, transfer to the hotel, and rest to prepare for the plateau journey!
Day 2: Cross the Gangbala Mountain, visit the beautiful Yamdrok Lake, and then head to the magnificent Karola Glacier to experience the charm of the glacier.
Day 3: Visit the historic Tashilhunpo Monastery and experience the profound Tibetan culture and religious beliefs.
Day 4: Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Pung Co, Lake Manasarovar, and Lake Rakshastal, and admire Mount Naimonanyi from afar. Finally, make a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash.
Day 5: Explore the unique Zanda Earth Forest and trace the ancient Guge Kingdom ruins.
Day 6: Make a pilgrimage to the sacred Mount Kailash again and feel the tranquility and power of the Maquan River.
Day 7: Admire Mount Shishapangma from afar, visit Lake Peiku, and finally arrive at Rongbuk Monastery at the Everest Base Camp to experience the magnificence of Mount Everest up close.
Day 8: Cross the Gyawu La Pass and the Gyatso La Pass, and end this unforgettable trip to Tibet.
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Travel Essentials: 🎒 Lhasa–Mount Kailash Travel Checklist
👕 Clothing: Thermal underwear, wool sweater, fleece jacket, down jacket, quick-drying pants, and high-top hiking boots to cope with the cold weather in December.
🎩 Accessories: Sun hat, warm hat, sunglasses, windproof mask, and warm gloves to protect your head and face from the cold wind.
🎒 Backpack: 20–40L backpack to carry daily essentials and keep you light on your feet.
💊 Medicine: Rhodiola, cold medicine, painkillers, and band-aids to prevent altitude sickness and other common ailments.
🔋 Electronics: Power bank and flashlight to ensure your electronic devices are always charged and make night walks safer.
🍫 Food: Energy snacks, chocolate, and nuts to help replenish energy and ensure you have enough physical strength.
📲 Documents: ID card, border pass, and cash to ensure you have important documents and funds ready for a worry-free trip.
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🎉 We hope you find inner peace and cleansing and have a great time on your Lhasa–Mount Kailash trip!
NovaWizard
7-Day Tour of Shigatse and Ngari, Tibet: A Must-See Guide to the Best Sights
Explore the hidden gems of Tibet this winter with a 7-day tour of Shigatse and Ngari. Discover the beauty of the Tibetan Plateau with this heartwarming guide!
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🏔️ Itinerary:
DAY 1: Lhasa River > Gampa La Mountain > Yamdrok Lake > Karola Glacier
Cross the Lhasa River, climb Gampa La Mountain, admire the beautiful scenery of Yamdrok Lake, and finally reach Karola Glacier to experience the grandeur of the glacier.
DAY 2: Tashilhunpo Monastery > Gyatso La Pass > Gawu La Mountain > Lhotse > Mount Everest > Mount Everest Scenic Area
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, cross Gyatso La Pass and Gawu La Mountain, enjoy a distant view of Lhotse, and finally get up close to Mount Everest and explore the Mount Everest Scenic Area.
DAY 3: Shishapangma > Peiku Lake
Conquer Shishapangma and admire its majestic scenery, then head to Peiku Lake to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the lake.
DAY 4: Gongzhucuo > Lake Manasarovar > Lake Rakshastal > Mount Kailash
Cross four sacred lakes in one day: Gongzhucuo, Lake Manasarovar, and Lake Rakshastal, each with its own unique charm. Finally, make a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and feel the power of faith.
DAY 5: Naimona'nyi > Zanda Earth Forest > Ruins of the Guge Kingdom
Climb Naimona'nyi, overlook the unique landforms of Zanda Earth Forest, visit the Ruins of the Guge Kingdom, and trace the marks of history.
DAY 6: Gongzhucuo
Return to Gongzhucuo to experience the beauty of the lake and enjoy the tranquility of the plateau.
DAY 7: Sang Sang Highland Pasture Scenic Area
On the last day, wander around Sang Sang Highland Pasture Scenic Area, experience the natural scenery of the highland pasture, and end your unforgettable trip to Tibet.
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🎒 Travel Checklist: Shigatse and Ngari, Tibet 🌄
👕 Clothing: Bring a fleece jacket, a lightweight down jacket, and thermal underwear. Don't forget long pants and brightly colored clothes for great photos!
🎩 Accessories: Hats and sunglasses are a must for sun protection and style. Gloves and scarves are also essential, as it can be very cold in Ngari in December!
📜 Documents: Bring your ID card and border pass. If you're driving, don't forget your vehicle registration and driver's license. These documents are very important, so be sure to check them before you leave!
💊 Other Items: Bring moisturizing products, common medications, and altitude sickness medication. Ngari is at a high altitude, so these can help you cope with discomfort.
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🎉 We hope you have a wonderful trip to Shigatse and Ngari, Tibet, and come back with unforgettable memories and a sense of awe!
CYRUS CRAWFORD
9-Day Tibet Ali & Shigatse Itinerary
9-day in-depth tour of Tibet Ali & Shigatse, with all the beautiful scenery! Follow this guide to easily explore the two places, don't miss it!
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🏔️ Itinerary:
DAY 1-2: Depart from Lhasa, visit Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier, cross Gyantse and arrive in Shigatse. Continue on, pass Gyatso La Mountain and Dingri, and arrive at Everest Base Camp to visit the Rongbuk Monastery Observation Deck.
DAY 3-4: Depart from Everest Base Camp, enjoy the Gangga Castle and Xixabangma Snow Mountain, pass by Peiku Lake, and arrive in Gyirong Town. Then explore Nai Village and Gyipu Grand Canyon, cross the Kongtang La Pass, and arrive in Saga.
DAY 5-6: Depart from Saga, visit Gongzhu Co, Lake Manasarovar, and Lake Rakshastal, make a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, and arrive in Darchen. Continue to visit the Donggar and Piyang Ruins and Kamet, feel the charm of the Guge Kingdom, and finally arrive in Zanda.
DAY 7-8: Depart from Zanda, explore the Zanda Earth Forest and Qionglong Silver City Castle, and return to Saga. Then experience the Dagejia Hot Spring, cross the Sang Sang Grassland, enjoy the Lang Co Bird Island, and finally return to Shigatse.
DAY 9: Return from Shigatse, pass by Nimu Grassland, Nagen La Pass, and Namtso, and finally return to Lhasa.
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🎒 Travel Essentials: Tibet Ali & Shigatse Packing List
👚 Clothing: Down jacket, windbreaker, and thermal underwear. In December, the temperature difference between day and night in Tibet is large, so you need to prepare thick clothes.
🎩 Accessories: Windproof hat, scarf, and gloves. And sunglasses, which are important for sun protection and snow blindness prevention!
💊 Medicine: Cold medicine, painkillers, and anti-altitude sickness medicine. After all, on the plateau, health is the most important.
📲 Documents: ID card, border pass, and cash. Don't forget the power bank and charger, keeping communication smooth is very important.
🍫 Food: Self-heating rice and chocolate, which can satisfy your cravings and replenish energy. In Ali, these are life-saving straws!
📷 Photography: DSLR camera and tripod to capture the beautiful scenery. And spare batteries and memory cards to ensure worry-free shooting.
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Tibet Ali and Shigatse, a sacred place to visit in a lifetime, with a guide in hand, just go, don't hesitate!
J@cks0n P3r3z
Ancient Echoes of Xiangxiong, Heavenly Ali~
Longing for the Guge Kingdom
Standing at the highest point of Zanda Earth Forest
Once the closest kingdom to the sky
Flourished and mysteriously vanished
Seven hundred years is long, but in history, it's just a moment
All phenomena are non-self, impermanence is the norm
If everything will eventually turn to ruins
We might as well be bold ~
Qionglong Silver City and Zanda Earth Forest
Blue streams flow from glaciers, shimmering under the sunlight
Nurturing ancient civilizations
Ancient civilizations submerged in the river of history
Leaving behind ruins and remnants
Thousands of years later, travelers visit
Perhaps sharing the same feelings as those before
楓妹兒
A super detailed 8-day Citywalk guide for Shannan–Ngari–Shigatse is here.
Dear friends! An 8-day tour of Shannan–Ngari–Shigatse, covering the essence of Tibet! A super practical guide is here, save it and start your spiritual journey now!
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🚩Route suggestion: Explore Shannan–Ngari–Shigatse in depth
Day 1: Gangbala Mountain > Lake Manasarovar > Karola Glacier > Manla Reservoir
Cross Gangbala Mountain, encounter the holy lake Manasarovar, and explore the magnificent Karola Glacier and Manla Reservoir.
Day 2: Tashilhunpo Monastery > Lazi, Tibet
Visit the historic Tashilhunpo Monastery and feel the power of faith, then head to Lazi, Tibet, to experience the local customs.
Day 3: Lake Manasarovar > Mount Naimona'nyi > Lake Rakshastal
Return to Lake Manasarovar, enjoy a distant view of the majestic Mount Naimona'nyi, and visit the mysterious Lake Rakshastal.
Day 4: Zanda Earth Forest > Ruins of the Guge Kingdom > Mount Kailash
Cross the magical landform of Zanda Earth Forest, explore the historical ruins of the Guge Kingdom, and finally make a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash.
Day 5: Maquan River Wetland
Feel the tranquility and harmony of nature in Maquan River Wetland and enjoy an intimate contact with nature.
Day 6: Peiku Tso > Everest Town > Gyawu La Mountain > Mount Everest Scenic Area > Everest Base Camp
Depart from Peiku Tso, pass through Everest Town, cross Gyawu La Mountain, and finally arrive at Mount Everest Scenic Area and Everest Base Camp to experience the magnificence of Mount Everest up close.
Day 7: Lhotse
Explore Lhotse all day and appreciate the unique charm and natural scenery of this snow-capped mountain.
Day 8: Northern Tibet Grassland > Nagenla Mountain Pass > Tashi Island of Lake Namtso > Nyenchen Tanglha Viewing Platform
Gallop across the Northern Tibet Grassland, cross Nagenla Mountain Pass, visit the mysterious Tashi Island of Lake Namtso, and finally overlook the magnificent mountains and rivers at Nyenchen Tanglha Viewing Platform.
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Some tips:
- Specialty price: Top-grade Tibetan Angelica is CNY 120 per 500 g, don't forget to shop around 🤑.
- Customs: Experience Tibetan dance and feel the strong ethnic customs 💃.
- Photo spots: Everest Base Camp, a must-visit! The breathtaking scenery is waiting for you to capture 📸.
- Clothing suggestion: Bring a thick down jacket, as Ngari is at a high altitude and the temperature difference between day and night is large 🧣.
- Sun protection: Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential, as the sun is strong on the plateau, so protect your skin 🕶️.
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✨️Travel around Shannan, Ngari, and Shigatse, and enjoy the beautiful scenery! Like, save, and follow us for more Tibetan secrets waiting for you to explore!✨️
890Jasper~Bell*
7-Day Shigatse–Ali Tour in Tibet: Fall's Limited Edition Scenery, Miss It and Wait a Year!
7-day exploration tour from Shigatse to Ali in Tibet, taking you to experience the unique plateau scenery. Don't miss it!
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🚩Itinerary:
Day 1: Lhasa River–Gambala Mountain–Yamdrok Lake–Karola Glacier
Enjoy the tranquility of the Lhasa River, cross Gambala Mountain, visit the holy Yamdrok Lake, and finally experience the magnificence of Karola Glacier.
Day 2: Tashilhunpo Monastery–Gyatso La Pass–Gawu La Pass–Lhotse–Mount Everest–Mount Everest Scenic Area
Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, cross Gyatso La Pass and Gawu La Pass, enjoy a distant view of Lhotse, and finally arrive at Mount Everest Scenic Area to experience the majesty of Mount Everest up close.
Day 3: Shishapangma–Pekutso Lake
Enjoy the majestic scenery of Shishapangma, then head to Pekutso Lake to experience the tranquility and beauty of the plateau lake.
Day 4: Gongzhu Co–Lake Manasarovar–Lake Rakshastal–Mount Kailash
Visit four major attractions in one day: the depth of Gongzhu Co, the sanctity of Lake Manasarovar, the mystery of Lake Rakshastal, and the solemnity of Mount Kailash, making you linger.
Day 5: Naimona'nyi Peak–Zanda Earth Forest–Ruins of the Guge Kingdom
Explore the mystery of Naimona'nyi Peak, cross the magical Zanda Earth Forest, and finally experience the historical vicissitudes of the Ruins of the Guge Kingdom.
Day 6: Gongzhu Co
Visit Gongzhu Co again to experience the charm of this plateau lake in depth and enjoy close contact with nature.
Day 7: Sang Sang Highland Pasture Scenic Area
End the journey at Sang Sang Highland Pasture Scenic Area, feeling the vastness of the plateau pasture and the harmony of nature.
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🎒 Travel Essentials: Shigatse–Ali Packing List
👕 Clothing: Windbreaker, lightweight down jacket, long pants, warm and easy to move.
👟 Shoes: Martin boots or sneakers, non-slip and waterproof, suitable for long walks.
🎩 Accessories: Hat, scarf, sunglasses, sun protection and stylish.
💳 ID and Cash: ID card, border pass, and some cash. Don't forget to bring them!
💊 Medicine: Rhodiola, cold medicine, stomach medicine, just in case.
📸 Other Essentials: Moisturizing skincare products, sunscreen, charger, camera, record your wonderful journey!
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✨️Don't forget to like and save! For more Shigatse–Ali travel tips, follow me and explore every inch of Tibet!✨️
KENNETH POWERS
Explore the Wonders of Nature at Tibet's 'Roof of the World'
Located in the Chamdo region of Tibet, the Sazhada Earth Forest is undoubtedly a stunning geological wonder. Here, hundreds of uniquely shaped earthen pillars stand tall, each with its own distinct form—some resembling towers, others like knives, and some even akin to giant sculptures. Walking through this natural art gallery feels like stepping onto another planet, where you can truly appreciate the marvels of nature. Besides admiring these sculptural earthen pillars, visitors can also explore nearby canyons and sand dunes, experiencing the unique landscapes of Tibet. The Sazhada Earth Forest is truly Tibet's 'Roof of the World,' a breathtaking sight not to be missed.
Lunarrr
Zhada Earth Forest | A Unique Wonder from Ancient Times
| A Unique Wonder from Ancient Times.㊙️Zhada Earth Forest, over a million years ago, this place was a vast ocean spanning 500 kilometers. Due to the Himalayan orogeny, the lake basin rose and the water level dropped. After millions of years of weathering and erosion, this unique wonder was created!
So, in one sentence, the Zhada Earth Forest we see today is the continental shelf from millions of years ago.
❗️There are indeed many tourists visiting Ali now, but most of them just take a quick look at the Zhada Earth Forest. Today, I will recommend a few excellent photography spots in the Zhada Earth Forest:
✅ Marang Viewing Platform:
Located at the first intersection after exiting Zhada, turn left at a bend similar to the Panlong Ancient Road. It offers a panoramic view of the magnificent Zhada Earth Forest, making it an excellent spot for photography.
✅ Zhada Earth Forest Viewing Platform:
Located near Zhada County, it offers a distant view of the snow-capped mountains and the layered earth forest, which is very impressive and perfect for taking large-scale photos.
✅ Sangda Viewing Platform:
You can closely observe the strange mountains and rocks, and also have a distant view of the earth forest. It is also one of the best spots for sunrise and sunset photography.
✅ Xiayi Valley:
This can be said to be the essence of the Zhada Earth Forest. The earth forest presents faint red, yellow, white, and blue colors, with strange and towering pillars standing alone, resembling humans or objects, more primitive and wild than the colorful Danxia.
✅ Guge Kingdom:
Hidden within the Zhada Earth Forest is the mysterious Guge Kingdom, which was once glorious. Every casual shot here is a masterpiece.
📌Tips:
Tickets🎫: Tickets are required for the Guge Kingdom, but other places are free of charge.
Documents🪪: The Zhada Earth Forest is located in Ali, so you need to obtain a border pass.
⚠️Other Precautions:
1️⃣ High altitude area, strong ultraviolet rays, pay attention to sun protection and warmth.
2️⃣ Apart from Zhada County, which is at an altitude of about 3700 meters, most other places are above 4000 meters. Avoid strenuous exercise and be cautious of altitude sickness.
3️⃣ Do not deliberately damage the earth forest.
SavvySavings
The Mount Doom from 'The Lord of the Rings' is actually in Tibet! My goodness!
Almost in an instant, the car suddenly turned, and when the western sunset leaped out from behind a huge rock, I was stunned by the sight before me.
Walls upon walls stretched to the horizon, towering and forming countless formidable castles. Yet these were clearly not the works of humans, but the handiwork of nature over millions of years.
Faced with such a sight, human language begins to seem inadequate, because language always describes things we see in our daily lives, and the things before me—I can't even name them with the concepts I know. Such a proud face, such an ancient expression, such a majestic stature, looking down on all things, as if the ruler between heaven and earth.
Later, I saw the name given to them by humans on a sign: the Zanda Clay Forest.
This is a proper noun in the field of geography, but it fails to truly represent its image and temperament.
In fact, does such an image, such a temperament, really need to be represented by insignificant humans?
In front of the Clay Forest, I could feel the greatness of nature and the frailty of humanity.
Travel Information:
The Zanda Clay Forest is located within the territory of Zanda County in the Ngari region of Tibet, China, and is the most famous geomorphological scenery in Zanda County. The area with the best development of the Zanda Clay Forest geomorphology is centered around Tulin Town, with an elevation distribution of 3750-4450 meters. The total area of the Zanda Clay Forest is about 2464 square kilometers, making it the most typical and largest distribution of Tertiary strata weathering-formed clay forests in the world.
The Clay Forest is a unique geomorphological feature formed by long-term water erosion and gradual weathering and erosion of lakebed sediments affected by ancient orogeny.
Best Time to Visit:
Clear days, from sunset to nightfall. Since it gets dark later in Tibet, it is recommended to visit around 9 p.m.
Tips:
When traveling from Lhasa to the Zanda Clay Forest, you will pass through a mountain road before reaching the viewing area. The mountains are colored hills, which in geology belong to the more typical badland geomorphology (not the colorful Danxia landforms), and they are also very photogenic.
It is suggested that after visiting the Lhasa city area, strolling through Barkhor Street, Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, or visiting the surrounding areas of Lhasa such as Yamdrok Lake, Namtso Lake, Tashilhunpo Monastery, as well as the regions of Nyingchi and Shannan, if time permits, it is best to continue west to the Ngari region for a visit.
quinn_5264
Zanda Earth Forest
Located in Zanda County, Ali Region, Tibet, the earth forest is currently the most typical and largest distribution area of the Tertiary stratum weathered earth forest in the world. The total area of the earth forest is about 2464 square kilometers, with gullies crisscrossing, like castles on the vast plain. These 'castles' were originally the lake basin sedimentary layers in ancient times, and they have been weathered and eroded over billions of years to form their current appearance. Xiayi Gully is located in Xiangzi Township, Zada County. It is a gully hidden between the mountains and the world's unique 'earth forest' landscape. After years of weathering, it has carved the shape of the earth forest with a wide top and narrow bottom. Because the soil layer contains a large amount of ore, it presents a colorful beauty under the sun. The terrain in the gully is complex, with overlapping mountains, rugged mountain roads, lush vegetation, and rich species. Xiayi Gully Scenic Area has been included in the 'Earth Forest National Geological Park' of Zada County since 2005. When we went there, cars could directly reach the earth forest without charge. It is said that protective walkways are being built now, which is a good thing, allowing this landscape to last forever.
Madison Ellsworth
The unmissable Ali Da North Line (16) - Zada Earth Forest
The Piyang Dongga Grottoes surrounded by the Zada Earth Forest are historical relics from the Guge Dynasty. It is both shocking and slightly regrettable that such a magnificent city was built under this kind of terrain. Most of the caves we saw were damaged and there were no historical remains to be seen. As we climbed close to the top and were about to return, it started to rain, followed by hail. At this time, these caves came in handy. While hiding from the rain in the cave, we faintly heard someone talking. When the rain eased a bit, we followed the sound and found an old man on the phone. The old man saw me and opened a small door next to him. I thought he was letting us in to shelter from the rain, but to my surprise, there was a different world inside the small door. First, there was a living room. After walking through this living room, there was another door inside. When this door was opened, history came rushing at us: inside the door was a cave with well-preserved murals! The old man told us that this set of murals has a history of more than 1,300 years, and what we saw was one of the only two well-preserved caves left.
RAEGAN WEBSTER
Tibet Ali|Zada Soil Forest & The Disappeared Guge Dynasty
|Zada Soil Forest & The Disappeared Guge Dynasty. Tibet Ali|Zada Soil Forest & The Disappeared Guge Dynasty
In addition to snow-capped mountains, lakes, and grasslands, the Ali region also has a breathtaking alien landscape, which has a crisp and refreshing name: Zada Soil Forest.
Walking in the labyrinth-like soil forest, I can't help but sigh how many springs, summers, autumns, and winters, and how much wind and sun, can create such a magical landscape.
About the address:
The Zada Soil Forest is located in Zada County, Ali Region, Tibet, and is the most famous geomorphological scenic area in Zada County.
Tickets: Free.
Transportation/route
It is 90 kilometers away from Zada County. Navigate to the viewing platform of Zada Soil Forest National Geological Park from Zada County, drive along National Highway 565 for half an hour, or you can drive directly to the viewing platform on the top of the mountain to see the whole view of the soil forest.
Tips:
You need to apply for a border defense certificate to Zada County;
The plateau climate is dry, the ultraviolet rays are strong, and the sand and wind are large, so you need to do a good job of sun protection;
The altitude of the Ali region is high, so you should prepare drugs to relieve altitude sickness in advance.
About the scenic spot:
The address of the Guge Dynasty: 2 kilometers away from Zaburang District, Zada County, Ali Region, on the earth mountain
Tickets: 65 yuan/person; explanation fee 100 yuan/person.
Route/Transportation
It is about half an hour's drive from Zada County, and it is recommended to play for 2-3 hours.
D3v14nt_H3llscr34m
[Ali, Tibet] If the trip to Ali is the dream of every Tibetan who loves Tibet, the site of the Zadagug dynasty is also the climax of my once again Ali.
12 times into Tibet in 10 years, 3 times to Ali, I should draw a perfect ending for the trip to Tibet in my life journey. When to come again, maybe it is a distant waiting, but in At this time, in the land of Tibet, I will cherish every minute of every minute.
TSKN.
Before arriving in Zanda, Tibet, I didn't know about it. I thought it was a scenic spot similar to Yunnan Shilin. I didn't expect the size of Zanda to be so large and so spectacular. Covering more than 800 square kilometers of Zanda soil, the rows and columns of the soil peaks are stacked and continuous, and the distance looks like the mountains are majestic and straight, but they are not grassy. When viewed from a close, the vehicles shuttle through the soil. It seems to be walking between the mountains and valleys. This is a landscape that has never been seen anywhere else. It seems to have come to an alien planet, and it is unconscious to sigh the magical creativity of nature.
Rusted_Sword.
Tibet is a magical place that attracts the Student Party, the Photography Party, the Friendship Party, the Historical Humanities Party, the Geological Party, the Archaeological Party, and the Self-driving Party. In the crowd, there are many tourists who travel to Tibet every year.
No need to say more about Tibetan scenery. But one must recommend, that is, Zanda Tulin of Ali, very suitable for self-driving enthusiasts. It is different from any holy mountain in Tibet. Some people call it "the most earthless place on earth."